Winter parking ban starts soon

No parking when snow is over 2 inches sign on the 3400 block of South Archer… (Scott Strazzante/ Chicago…)

November 20, 2012|Leonor Vivanco, @lvivanco | RedEye

'Tis the season--the winter parking season.

Parking restrictions kick in Dec. 1.

The city's winter overnight parking ban on main streets is enforced between the hours of 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. through April 1 regardless of snow. Violators face a $50 ticket plus a $150 towing fee and $10 daily storage fee.

On the first day of the ban last year, 188 motorists ignored the overnight ban and were towed, according to the city. This year, drivers who are towed on Dec. 1 can email SpotHero, which lists paid hourly and monthly parking spots online, with proof their cars were towed to get a free parking spot.

Separately, the 2-inch snow parking ban kicks in on certain streets marked by signage when there is more than 2 inches of snow on the ground. Violators face a $50 ticket and the possibility of having the car relocated so streets can be cleared.

Drivers can check out color-coded maps of parking restrictions here. Click here to find out if cars were towed or relocated.